In a commanding performance at the Coolidge Cricket Grounds, Sri Lanka U19 secured a convincing eight-wicket victory over West Indies U19 in the third Youth ODI, taking a 2-1 lead in the seven-match series.
Winning the toss, West Indies U19 elected to bat first, hoping to set a competitive total, but their innings faltered as they were bowled out for a modest 138 runs in just 39.2 overs.
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Earsinho Fontaine provided some resistance with a gritty 51 runs, anchoring the innings amidst a collapse. The rest of the batting lineup struggled to cope with Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling attack.
The stars of the bowling effort were wrist-spinner Vigneshwaran Akash and left-arm spinner Chamika Heenatigala, who dismantled the West Indies U19 batting order. Both bowlers claimed four wickets each, with Akash’s guile and Heenatigala’s accuracy proving too much for the opposition.
Chasing a modest 139, Sri Lanka U19 approached the task with confidence and composure. The opening batter Viran Chamuditha led the charge with an unbeaten 64 runs off 70 balls, including 10 boundaries. His aggressive yet controlled knock set the tone for the chase, ensuring there were no hiccups along the way.
The Sri Lankan side chased down the target with ease, finishing with eight wickets in hand and plenty of overs to spare, underlining their dominance in the game.
The fourth Youth ODI is scheduled for September 7, at the same venue, Coolidge Cricket Grounds. West Indies U19 will be eager to bounce back and level the series, while Sri Lanka U19 will aim to build on their momentum and inch closer to sealing the series.
Brief Scores
West Indies U19 – 138 (39.2) Earsinho Fontaine 51, Vigneshwaran Akash 4/19, Chamika Heenatigala 4/33
Sri Lanka U19 – 139/2 (22) Viran Chamuditha 64*, Kavija Gamage 28*, Pulisha Thilakaratne 21, R’Jai Gittens 2/30
Result – Sri Lanka U19 won by 8 wickets
